The Middlesex DA and State Police arrested four men, implicating them in 43 burglaries targeting homes of Indian or South Asian residents across Hopkinton and 24 other Massachusetts towns from 2018 to 2024. The organized burglary ring, tied to a Providence gang, stole items worth over $4 million. The accused were indicted on 95 counts related to these crimes and operated with sophisticated methods including Wi-Fi jammers and strategic planning based on the victims' ethnic backgrounds.
At the upcoming Special Town Meeting on May 7, Hopkinton's Fire Chief, Gary Daugherty, Jr., will request funding for essential repairs at the fire station, including replacing the rusted, 27-year-old HVAC units. This repair is urgent as the current equipment failures cause indoor rain, disrupting operations.
Marathon Monday Madness: Missing mutts, misplaced mail, and mischievous motorists! Hudson's own Houdini, Corey Clark, nabbed for nighttime naughtiness. Parking pandemonium for pavement-hogging workers. Four-car fender-benders sans scratches. Smouldering suspicions on Spring St. Dodged doggy doo-doo, vanishing vehicles, and one invisible smoke signal. Hide-and-seek with Airpods, Ash St. tree tango, and the phantom leaf blower's blustery battle. Stay tuned for more small-town shenanigans!
The Hopkinton Select Board bid farewell to Town Manager Norman Khumalo, commended for guiding the town through growth and sound financial management. Public Forum had calls for a Citizen of the Year initiative, debate on police chief's administrative leave, a police union complaint on promotion processes, and Member Mannan recounting racial attacks. Elaine Lazarus was named Interim Town Manager, and after interviews, Sergeant Scott van Raalten was appointed as Lieutenant.
Hopkinton celebrated the addition of two new fire trucks with a traditional Push-In Ceremony, attended by townspeople, officials, and firefighters. Chief Daugherty highlighted the trucks' significance as symbols of commitment to fire safety, advanced rescue capabilities, and community support. The event was marked by a live dispatch, underscoring the responders' readiness and dedication. Select Board Chair Kramer reflected on the connection between the town's heritage and future, emphasizing the importance of seeing firefighters in action.
Over twenty Hopkinton firefighters engaged in annual drills at the Auburn training facility, practicing skills like search and rescue. The session also allowed them to use new equipment. While field fires are rare, the training is crucial for maintaining vital skills and provides a safe space to learn from mistakes.
The Select Board revisited Police Chief Bennett's performance, addressing his accomplishments and challenged hiring initiatives. Bennett faced criticism for unfulfilled leadership roles, notably the prolonged vacancy of the Lieutenant spot. Tensions rose around accusations of Bennett fostering a hostile work environment and retaliation, resulting in a conflict-laden review that questioned the department's leadership effectiveness and transparency.
This week in Mayberry, Shane got nabbed for boosting $1,200 worth of loot, and Robson was busted for a boozy joyride. Meanwhile, the town dealt with phantom smells, icy roads, and canine chaos (dogs running amok!). Fraudsters posed as electricians, and potholes claimed another victim's tire – talk about rolling through the week with surprises around every corner!
In Hopkinton, amidst discussions on leadership and departmental morale, the Select Board appointed Kyle Quinzani as a new police officer. This comes at a time when the Hopkinton Police Department is experiencing notable turnover, having lost 11 officers between 2021 and 2022. The challenges facing the department are multi-faceted, involving both internal issues such as morale, affected by tragedies and limited promotion opportunities, and external pressures like financial constraints linked to historical policies.
This situation paints a picture of a department in transition, grappling with both legacy issues and the need for modern solutions to retain and motivate staff. For those interested in the dynamics of local governance, public administration, and community policing, the full story behind Hopkinton's efforts to stabilize its police department offers valuable insights. Log in or subscribe for access to an in-depth exploration of how the town and our leaders are addressed this complex issue.
This week in Mayberry: Excavator escort, raccoon ruckus, and matrimonial mystery. Lost pups and lurking vans stir the pot, while the quest for cash turns suspicious. Oh, and another raccoon!
In September 2022, a report indicated it was feasible for Hopkinton to join a regional emergency communication center (RECC) with neighboring towns. Despite initial support from local officials and advocacy from Hopkinton's fire chief, community opposition and concern about reducing local dispatcher jobs led to public resistance. It now appears that holding off was the right move.
In the Hopkinton hustle, Officer Diaz multitasks as a plumber while our canine friends enjoy unsanctioned strolls and mistaken contractors start hot tub parties uninvited. An array of bizarre incidents keeps the local PD hopping, from vehicular animal crashes to impromptu trespassing DoorDash escapades. Meanwhile, wild bobcats mistake roads for habitats, and inanimate seat cushions dream of jaywalking.
On February 27, HopNews requested 13 months of Hopkinton Police vehicle GPS data, which was denied as the department doesn't log such information. Officers confirmed the systems were disabled. In contrast, the Fire Department's GPS is operational. The police GPS's inoperability affects emergency response efficiency, officer accountability, and public safety. The issue will be addressed by the Select Board. Restoring GPS is vital for safety and trust in the police force.
Ryan Sweatt has been charged with the first degree murder of Destini Decoff, who he allegedly intentionally struck with his vehicle in an apparent act of road rage.
There are also new details on Hopkinton PD's response and corrections to eyewitness accounts.
The Middlesex DA and State Police arrested four men, implicating them in 43 burglaries targeting homes of Indian or South Asian residents across Hopkinton and 24 other Massachusetts towns from 2018 to 2024. The organized burglary ring, tied to a Providence gang, stole items worth over $4 million. The accused were indicted on 95 counts related to these crimes and operated with sophisticated methods including Wi-Fi jammers and strategic planning based on the victims' ethnic backgrounds.
The Appropriation Committee's report for Hopkinton's upcoming Annual Town Meeting outlines significant financial challenges, projecting property tax increases between 10% and 22% over the next five years due to escalating capital expenditures and debt, which could reach 83% of the legal limit. Key budget priorities include sustaining core services and funding the Hopkins School addition. Rising debts and a potential operating deficit of $4 million by 2028 highlight urgent issues, compounded by costly measures to address PFAS contamination in water.
On this episode, we are joined by Massachusetts Secretary of Housing and Livable Communities, Ed Augustus, whose department is charged in part with overseeing the implementation of the MBTA Communities Act. Also joining Peter as co-host is Chair of Hopkinton's Planning Board, Gary Trendel.